Chapter 536

Annie was dumbstruck by Grayson's suggestion. Confused, she asked, "Dad, have you given up on our family's dignity?"

Grayson's eyes darted around. Sabrina avoided Annie's gaze but defended Grayson. "Annie," she said, "this isn't about dignity. It's about the Silvers remaining in Jipsburg. Everything else is secondary. He won't embarrass us too much."

"Are you sure?" Annie asked, biting her lip.

"We have no better option," Sabrina replied. "Even if Steven doesn't deserve you, you can break up with him later. Claim incompatible personalities; it'll be no problem." She'd already devised an escape route, but the idea still unsettled her. She'd dedicated everything to raising Annie, and could have married wealthier, yet chose a poor man. The thought displeased her.

Grayson, pale and distraught, said, "Your mother's right. Contact Steven immediately."

Suddenly, Rowan called. Annie hesitated before answering.

"Who is it?" Grayson asked.

"Rowan."

Sabrina frowned. "Answer it. Maybe he has a solution."

Annie was less optimistic. Rowan wouldn't offer help for nothing, and he likely knew what had happened. A prickling unease grew as she calmed herself. Finally, she answered. "Rowan."

"You idiot," Rowan scolded. "You've known Joe for ages. No one's ever successfully drugged him! How dare you give him an aphrodisiac? The Silvers could have left Jipsburg unscathed. Now, you've ruined everything!" He was shocked by her stupidity. They'd spoken at the gala, and she'd made a disastrous mistake immediately afterward.

Annie had left the call on speakerphone so Sabrina and Grayson could hear. Shame washed over their faces.

"I thought there wouldn't be problems," Annie said, trying to remain calm. "I thought Joe cared for me. It was all in my imagination. Is there no chance of survival?"

Grayson and Sabrina stared at her phone. Their hearts had pounded throughout this ordeal.

Rowan chuckled coldly. "What do you think? You're so dumb, Annie. You weren't coerced by your family, were you? You're intelligent. Why agree to their schemes? The Silvers won't escape this crisis. I'm calling as a longtime friend. Stop scheming against Joe. Upset him again, and you'll face something worse than the Williamses."

Did Steven say not to upset Joe? Would asking Skylar to plead for mercy through Steven upset him?

The Silvers were stunned by Rowan's words. He ended the call abruptly, giving Annie no chance to ask questions.

"You heard him," Annie said, her hands clasped tightly. "What do we do? This ruins my plans to marry Steven quickly. After the wedding, Skylar would have definitely vouched for us." She deeply regretted her actions. She shouldn't have hoped for a miracle. She'd told her parents, but they'd disagreed. Hearing her words, they felt immense regret.

Sabrina's eyes glistened. "It's pointless to dwell on this. You need to figure out how to get Steven to persuade Skylar to help us."

"Let me think," Annie said wearily.

Throughout the night, Skylar felt insignificant compared to Joe. They spent the night together, in various positions.